Family grieves after toddler accidentally shoots and kills self; father indicted

by HALEY NELSON, WSYX/WTTE

The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a father after the death of his toddler. (WSYX/WTTE)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) -- The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a father after the death of his toddler.

Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said the Franklin County Grand Jury has returned indictments on Steven Matthew Wallen, 26, for Involuntary Manslaughter and Endangering Children, both counts with Firearm Specifications.

These charges are in connection to the September 10th shooting death of his 3-year-old son, Jachin.

The young boy's mother, Wallen's ex-wife, said the little boy's twin brother now suffers from PTSD after witnessing the tragedy.

At this time, it is the happy memories that Jennifer Wallen clings to.

"We always cuddled up and watched ‘choo choo’ in a recliner and it was just something we did every night before bedtime," said Wallen.

Losing one of her three-year-old twins has been a nightmare.

"No parent is perfect, but you keep your kids safe," said Wallen.

Back in September, Jachin and his twin brother, Jaxon, were staying with their father when Jachin got a hold of a loaded gun in the kitchen in Madison Township. His father and Jaxon found him.

"I can't even tell you the things that were going through my mind," said Wallen.